In a significant move to support the local business community during challenging economic times, Inverness Chamber of Commerce has announced a freeze on membership fees for the coming year.
This decision underscores the Chamber’s commitment to standing by its members as they navigate the pressures of increased taxation and other financial headwinds.
Eunice McAdam, President of the Inverness Chamber Board, said, “The Chamber’s mission has always been to support our members in achieving success, and this fee freeze reflects our commitment to their growth and resilience. We recognise the challenges many businesses face and are determined to provide meaningful support during this time.”
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, added, “As all businesses across the Highlands are being hit by the increase in employers’ national insurance, and other tax changes have increased the financial burden further for many sectors, we want to reassure our members that we are here to champion their interests. Freezing membership fees is just one of the ways we are backing our business community and ensuring they have access to the resources, advocacy, and connections they need to thrive.”
In addition to Inverness Chamber’s membership fee freeze, the value of each membership package is set to be enhanced.
The range of events covered by complimentary networking tickets – available with the Essential, Growth, and Corporate packages – will now include Inside Stories: Behind the Scenes, Under 30’s events, and ad hoc networking opportunities such as this year’s Cocktail Masterclass.
With a growing readership, the Chamber’s weekly digest, ‘The Pulse’, reaches over 1,250 engaged subscribers each week giving them relevant political and business updates, together with Chamber and member news, events, training opportunities and vacancies. Members are encouraged to promote their activity and help readers to keep up to date with what’s happening in the area. 2024 has also seen a huge growth in our social media followings meaning that our members successes are championed to more people than ever before.
This comes as the Chamber has increased its level of campaigning on the issues that matter most to the region. In 2024 this included dualling of the A9, rail travel journey times, and putting pressure on the Scottish Government to match rates relief, currently given in England, for hospitality and retail businesses north of the border. This will continue into 2025 and beyond to ensure the Highlands continues to be a prosperous place to do business.
Colin Marr explains, “There is so much going on in our business community, so we want to give our members as many chances as possible to explore, learn and connect. Through our events, networking opportunities and promotion channels we’re fostering stronger relationships and collaboration to help build a thriving business landscape. It’s an exciting time to be part of our Chamber membership, with plenty of new initiatives on the horizon, alongside our ongoing efforts to represent our members locally and nationally – championing the economy and advocating for the policies and investment needed to ensure success.”
Stronger Together
As one of the key voices of the Highland business community, Inverness Chamber is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and collaborative economic environment. By growing our membership, we amplify the collective voice of local businesses, ensuring that their needs and priorities are heard at local, regional, Scottish and UK national levels through our membership of Scottish and British Chamber of Commerce networks.
Joining Inverness Chamber offers more than just access to resources and events – it connects businesses to a supportive network of peers and advocates who share a common goal: driving success in the Highlands.
Colin Marr concluded, “We encourage businesses to join us and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their networks and leverage the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to their success. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Highlands.”
Supporting Members at Every Level
Inverness Chamber offers four tailored membership packages to suit businesses of all sizes and ambitions:
- Digital Membership: Designed for small businesses looking to establish a presence in the Chamber’s network.
- Essential Membership: Provides access to core Chamber services, networking opportunities, and advocacy support.
- Growth Membership: Ideal for businesses aiming to expand, with enhanced benefits including promotional support and strategic connections.
- Corporate Membership: Tailored for larger organisations seeking bespoke engagement, strategic influence, and high-level networking opportunities.
For more information on membership, its benefits and how the Chamber can support your business, visit inverness-chamber.co.uk.